Planning Policy Team Leader

If you have substantial experience working within planning policy, including on local plans, can demonstrate the ability to work closely and collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, and are able to support and develop staff, this Planning Policy Team Leader opportunity could be the role for you.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.

Planning Policy is a large and well-resourced team within Spatial Planning and Climate Resilience, as part of our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate.

Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire. We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport, and property.

A key opportunity to shape the future is the Local Plan for Buckinghamshire, which we are at the early stages of preparing. We work across different services and with partners to develop an ambitious plan. We also support town and parish councils in preparing neighbourhood plans and ensure high-quality development monitoring information underpins our work.

About the role

As an experienced planning policy professional, you will manage one of the two sub-teams within Planning Policy, handling complex work areas in preparing the Buckinghamshire Local Plan and other planning policy initiatives.

We aim to play to your strengths while providing opportunities to develop and broaden your skills and experience.

You will also line manage junior officers, providing 1:1 support to help them progress as they gain more experience and responsibility.

Any-Desk:

This role is 'any-desk', requiring connectivity to our network to access digital resources, which can be from home or an office. You will work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on team needs.

About you

You will have excellent interpersonal, persuasion, and negotiation skills, with high-level expertise in planning policy related to local plans. You will support and develop staff through performance management, training, and coaching, and work collaboratively across teams and with partners.

You will hold a planning degree and full RTPI membership (or be eligible).

Other information

The team currently works two days a week in Aylesbury and High Wycombe offices, and three days at home.

Number of positions available: 1

For an informal chat, contact Charlotte Morris, Planning Policy Manager at emailprotected

This post requires candidates to declare unspent cautions and convictions, as covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

We may close the vacancy early once sufficient applications are received, so early application is advised.

Our values and culture

We embody values of being Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative, and Trustworthy. Joining us, you can expect a fair, inclusive culture, health and well-being initiatives, support for career development, and opportunities for social activities.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, supporting staff networks, being a Disability Confident employer, and promoting equality and fairness across our workforce.

About the Business Unit

Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate helps shape Buckinghamshire's future, focusing on economic development, infrastructure, and community services. We support high-profile projects and work to deliver a prosperous future for residents and businesses.

We recognise and reward you

We promote work-life balance, flexible working, and offer benefits such as pension schemes, discounts, gym memberships, and travel discounts to support our staff.